Forum:
Chemotherapy - Before, During, and After —

Hello all. I'm not usually over in this area of the boards- I'm dealing with tests every 6 months due to dense breasts and high risk. Anyway, I have a good friend who is going through aggressive chemotherapy. I want to put together a care package for her and was hoping for recommendations. So far I have a nice warm cuddly blanket and some of those fuzzy socks with the grips on the bottom. Any other ideas?

a nice silk scarf.. you are kind and socks and a blanket are perfect. if you have the time a 1/2 day of housecleaning would be an awesome contribution.. That's what i had the most trouble with.. keeping up with the daily grind. My friends got together and bought me housecleanings.. i don't know how i would have kept up without that fresh sparkling house every two or three weeks.

What a kind thing to do! I have a friend who sent me a "care" package that included some of the things mentioned along with a book and relaxation CD. I would add some mints or hard candies in her favorite flavor, some herbal tea bags in a flavor you know she likes, or some hot cocoa packets or other hot beverage mix. I like spiced apple cider packets...Alpine, I think. Also, I found myself chewing gum (my preference was a strong mint but some people like the Biotene). And there's nothing wrong with a nice little box of good quality chocolates!

One of the kind things that the families from my sons baseball team did was they wrapped up all kinds of restaurant gift cards. Everything from subway, applebees, chilis, etc. It was so nice to not have to think about what to feed my family! Very thoughtful. Another favorite . . . My aunt who lives on the other side of the country, sent me a funny card throughout my treatments.

I received a care package when I had my BMX and was SO thrilled that my friend put so much thought into it. Flowers are great, but the care package made me feel even more concerned for. In addition to the items mentioned she put magazines, coffee, lotions etc. It was not created with a theme of BC ( i.e pink) it was just a theme of thoughtful items. Loved it!!

My sister really appreciated offers from family and friends to drive her to her chemo treatments and to pick her up as well. People have also volunteered for her radiation treatments which should start in January.

In addition to worrying about her own health, she has been very worried about the stress on her DH (who has his own health issues) and knowing he can have a day to himself has made her so thankful. She also enjoys when people bring them lunch or dinner; again to give her DH a break. He's been unbelievably supportive and attends a caregivers group, but has also been so thankful for these offers.

She was also thrilled when someone knitted her a monogrammed sleep cap!

A hot pink boa -- anything to make her laugh! A friend had a service that was raising money for the three day Susan B. Komen walk -- they placed 50 PINK FLAMINIGOS in my front yard for 24 hours -- it was WONDERFUL! A hand-held fan for HOT FLASHES! An inspiring comical book -- anything pink that deals with the breast cancer FIGHTER / WARRIOR -- I got a t-shirt that said "I'm having a NO HAIR day!" Good luck to your friend!

I received some fabulous gift packages going through this journey, and what I appreciated most were the gift cards - for restaurants, for gas, for CostCo, Bed & Bath, etc. I also appreciate the humorous gifts, because we all needed the laughter!

I've taken your ideas and put quite the care package together for her! You ladies gave such great ideas of things that would actually benefit and help her, or anyone else going through chemo. I've shared these ideas with others who wanted some way to help her.

Gift her some chemotherapy care products to help her tackle the chemo side effects. My aunt has just gifted Evolife Skin Care Gift pack to one of her friend who was undergoing chemo. As even my aunt has used Evolife Products earlier for her skin and oral problems and was very much impressed with the results.. We know it is the best gift for some one affected from cancer.All the best to your friend..